Just starting medications....perhaps

Apr 10, 2013

I am 65 gay man just diagnosed with HIV. Just had western blot, and waiting on viral load etc. I am in great health except for an anxiety disorder or mood disorder for which I take Celexa and low dose .5 mg of klonopin 1 x a day. I am frightened to take medication because I went through HEll with anxiety before the meds. Is there a medication for newly diagnozed HIV where anxiety is NOT a major side effect. I can't deal with horrible anxiety again.

Response from Dr. Young

Hello and sorry to hear about your new diagnosis.

Yes. There are indeed good HIV medication regimens that are not associated with mood side effects. I'd largely stay away from efavirenz-containing treatment (like Sustiva or Atripla) if anxiety/depression are ongoing problems for you.

Since you're 65, many experts would recommend initiating HIV medications, irrespective of what your CD4 count or viral load tests reveal. Indeed, recent US guidelines make this recommendation irrespective of age.

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